Chris P'Simer grew up in Hamilton, New Jersey, where she discovered an early interest in mathematics. She attended The College of New Jersey, earning both a Bachelor of Arts in Math Education and a Master of Science in Mathematics, which laid the foundation for her career in education.

Following her graduation, Chris began teaching mathematics at the middle school level, working with eighth grade students. She later moved to New York, where she met her best friend and the love of her life, Clare Cooper. They lived together in Sea Cliff.

Over the course of her teaching career, Chris taught a variety of Mathematics courses and AP Computer Science at the high school level. She spent the next twenty years working with students at Plainedge High School. She continued her commitment to education, by earning a Professional Diploma qualifying her for school administration roles in New York State.

After two decades as a teacher, Chris transitioned from teaching to administration in the Plainedge School District. Her leadership journey included key roles such as Director of Staff Development, Middle School Principal, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, and in 2017, she became Superintendent of Schools. Chris championed professional growth for staff, innovative curriculum development, and helped develop a strategic vision for the district. She worked with teachers, administrators, and counselors to develop evaluation systems that ensured teacher accountability while encouraging strong levels of professional development.

In 2010, New York State Senator Kemp Hannon nominated Chris as a New York State Woman of Distinction, for promoting and improving relationships among teachers, administrators, School Board members, and the residents of the Plainedge school district. Senator Hannon honored Chris for her "long-lasting impact on the Plainedge community"

After retiring in 2011, Chris and Clare moved to Northampton, Massachusetts, a five college town rich in culture and entertainment. Chris joined several volunteer organizations. Clare and she worked for the Northampton Survival Center, a food bank in Northampton. They were on the Board of the Giving Garden where they and other members of the board planted, tended, and harvested vegetables for various food pantries and soup kitchens in the Northamton area.

In 2018, Chris and Clare returned to New York and bought a home in Cutchogue. After attending her first First Friday, Chris joined the North Fork Women for Women Board that year. She quickly partnered with Mary Trier to update the Founders Award Ceremony, moving the event to RG-NY.

In 2019, the Board named Chris their president-elect, and she officially became president of North Fork Women in 2020. During her two-year term, Chris led the Board through the difficulties of the COVID era. Their initiatives included updating the website with COVID resources and establishing Covid Fund, raising money to support families in need, hospital staff, and rescue workers. The board also provided support to CAST, the Family Service League, and other organizations that aided the North Fork community during the pandemic.

With Covid at its peak, Chris and the Board realized that it would be several months before North Fork Women could resume any of its regular events.

Chris and Mary Trier orchestrated a fund raiser with CJ's American Grill, a strong supporter of our organization. They sponsored a special valentine's dinner that members could pick up or have delivered to their homes. CJ's and North Fork Women split the proceeds from that dinner, adding to the Covid Fund.

Chris and the Board launched an online Connection Series, enabling our members to take part in online events as an alternative to First Fridays. This initiative provided opportunities for members to interact and enjoy each other in a safe and welcoming environment.
For the 2019 annual art auction, Chris coordinated all aspects of an online event, including putting the donated artworks and other prizes in a silent auction. The Board and friends of North Fork Women sold tickets for our annual $10,000 raffle. At the online event, our MC, Bernie Hoban, announced the winners of the silent auction and the raffle.

Recognizing the importance of entertainment at the summer event, Marge Snyder arranged for Diana Nyad to join the event remotely. Chris and Diana collaborated on her appearance via Zoom, where Diana shared insights from her distinguished career, notably recounting her record-setting 2013 swim from Cuba to Florida. The auction achieved remarkable success.

In 2020, when Covid vaccines were scarce and online bookings were extremely difficult, Chris wrote to Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone asking for help with accessing the vaccine. Soon after, his office provided slots at Suffolk Community College where county workers were receiving vaccinations. Seventy NFW members, including those members at elevated risk, received their vaccinations as part of Suffolk County program.

Chris and Clare remain on the North Fork and Chris continues to work with North Fork Women, serving on the North Fork Women's Advisory Board. She is grateful for the honor of receiving the Founder's Award this year and thanks the Board for their recognition of her contributions to the organization.

Click to purchase tickets to the 2026 Founders Award
honoring Christine P’Simer and,
Marjorie Snyder